Hello all,

Last night, 6 days post-op from her I & D mommy was able to lay on her R 
side (hadn't in 6 days) and feed her baby with the help of a nipple shield.  
There was some milk in the shaft of the shield and some swallows noted.  The 
bandages are still a little bulky, she has been leaking milk up thru the opening. 
I took off some of the bulky part of the bandage and placed the shield on 
breast.  Unfortunaltely, her breast is healing with the flap of skin above the 
breast curling inside the wound.  It makes the area around the nipple and 
areola very dense and baby could not latch without a shield.  Even with the 
sheild I couldn't get a good amount of nipple to pull into the shaft. (It was up 
to let-down and baby).  It was wonderful seeing mom and baby looking each 
other in the eye and with gentle but eager sucking the milk began to flow.  I 
swear that baby smiled at mom.  I felt priveleged to be part of this intimate 
exchange of emotions.  Mom to baby and baby to mom.  All was right in the 
world last night in that cozy dimly lit bedroom.  I was surprised to get the 
phone call asking me to come help her put her baby back to the still very 
tender breast.  I think the milk leaking out of the wound made her nervous, 
and she felt several "lumps" in the lower portion of her breast.  I reasurred her 
that the milk leaking was indeed quite normal, doesn't pose a problem and 
helps heal as it washed over the open skin.
She has an appt tomorrow with the surgeon.  I will go and accompany her.  
For moral support as well as helping me to gain insights and knowlegde 
regarding this unfortunate situation.

Thanks to all who have posted with information, tips, advice, and 
encouragement for this mom.

Best,
robin

             ***********************************************

Archives: http://community.lsoft.com/archives/LACTNET.html
To reach list owners: [log in to unmask]
Mail all list management commands to: [log in to unmask]
COMMANDS:
1. To temporarily stop your subscription write in the body of an email: set lactnet nomail
2. To start it again: set lactnet mail
3. To unsubscribe: unsubscribe lactnet
4. To get a comprehensive list of rules and directions: get lactnet welcome